To provide strategic direction and to ensure a broad representation of the FSC members, clusters often create Strategic Advisory Groups (SAG). This consists of key members with operational relevance in the emergency, technical expertise, capacity to contribute strategically and to provide practical support, and with the commitment to contribute consistently.
The SAG is usually chaired by the Cluster Coordinator and members are elected on a rotational basis by FSC members (not partners or observers). The SAG membership should represent the overall cluster partnership, while keeping the group reasonably small and workable to improve effectiveness and efficiency. The number of members is therefore context specific but broad representation of diverse food security stakeholders is important, i.e. the Cluster Coordinator, national and international NGOs, UN Agencies etc. As relevant and based on the context specific requirements, the overall role of the SAG may include activities such as:
- Providing advice on FSC activities.
- Endorsing technical guidance of FSC working groups.
- Developing and adjusting the FSC’s strategic framework, priorities and work plan.
- Ensuring that the coordination team addresses the strategic priorities as outlined in the FSCs Terms of References.
- Supporting the HPCprocess in:
- Drafting and reviewing the HNO chapter and needs
- Drafting and reviewing the HRP chapter including the FSC framework / logframe and costing (if project based: support of reviewing and clearing of projects/ if unit based costing: support in reviewing and clearing the activity list and cost per unit) (see chapter 9 on the HPC).
- Supporting in reviewing projects under humanitarian pooled funds.
- Addressing any issues met by the FSC.
The SAG should adhere to an agreed TOR where tasks are clearly listed. The SAG supports the FSC Coordinator with reviewing and preparing key documents on behalf of the larger group. It may regularly monitor the activities of the FSC coordination team, and as needed, assist the FSC to re-orientate and to ensure that the cluster achieves its strategic priorities. The SAG is expected to ensure a regular and two-way flow of information with its broader cluster membership and is requested to meet on a regular and/or ad hoc basis, as required. It is accountable to the FSC CLAs.
What is the role of the FSC Coordinator: The Coordinator, in consultation with the CLAs and the FSC members, can form a SAG. S/he can lean on the SAG and should consult it on any issues of strategic importance. He/she should also (pending the SAG TORs) ensure the SAG endorses guidance on harmonisation of assistance and any other cluster specific guidance.
The coordination team provides the secretariat support to the SAG and ensures minutes, contact lists etc are maintained and the Coordinator, as chair, is responsible for arranging regular meetings, setting agendas and working with partners to ensure planned work is done in a timely manner.
Importance of Local Members: National NGOs should be encouraged to participate in the SAG. This facilitates their engagement and their influence in planning processes and helps instil a sense of ownership that can help promote continuity given the high level of INGO and UN staff turnover.
See examples of SAG TORs below:
- Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster South Sudan (2021) SAG here.
- Food Security and Agriculture Cluster Yemen here (the overall TOR for the FSAC, here, provides a good example of how to integrate for example the SAG TOR into the overall cluster TOR).
Guidance: See the Reference Module for Cluster Coordination at Country Level (IASC, 2015), p.19. See also the Guidance note on the participation of local actors in humanitarian coordination groups (Grand Bargain Localisation Workstream, 2020).